2017 Class 4A Mr. Football: Cole Smith

Powered the Warriors to an 11-2 record, the Region 2-4A title and the second round of the Class 4A playoffs … A three-year starter at left tackle, he lined up occasionally in 2017 at guard and center and also started for the second straight year at defensive end … Credited with 67 “pancake” blocks and, for the second consecutive year, zero sacks allowed … Father, Brent, played for Pontotoc in the early 1990s before becoming an All-SEC offensive lineman at Mississippi State and spending 9 seasons in the NFL … Will participate in the Under Armour All-America Game … Committed to Louisiana State University.

Pontotoc coach Jeff Carter says:
“It was just Cole’s tenacity at all times. He practiced as hard as he played in the games. He didn’t care if it was only a drill or a workout; he did everything at 100 percent like he was supposed to do. He’s very aggressive and athletic, too. I think (his father’s football experience) probably helped him a little, but I think the biggest thing for Cole was his drive and determination to be better than the average player. I think he may start out at center when he gets to college, but he could move to guard or tackle if he grows another inch or two.”